All for love's sake
The closer we get to December 25, the more challenging it is to shift our eyes away from the checklist and back to the baby King. Emily Hunter McGowan frames this tension with gracious perspective in the introduction of her book Christmas: The Season of Life, from which we are featuring an excerpt this week. It’s part of The Fullness of Time series from InterVarsity Press (remember Tish Warren’s Advent volume?). We’re loving these handy introductions to the liturgical calendar. (Watch for a feature about Epiphany in the coming days.)
“After all, at the center of the mystery of Christmas is the astonishing fact that God has come to dwell with us. God has seen fit to grace our world with God’s presence—not just once but for all time—in Jesus Christ. So God’s loving embrace extends to our particulars—noses and toes, meals and gifts, decorations and gift-giving.”
In the spirit of honoring our embodied existence and the cultural trappings of the season — let’s talk cookies. If you, like us, find great joy in sharing treats at this time of year, we recommend this simple, delicious shortbread recipe. We’ve been experimenting this year by drizzling with a light glaze and adding festive sprinkles. We’ve even heard of some friends who have, through a few substitutions, successfully transformed this into a gluten-free cookie. Free your imagination and give it a whirl!
“Butter Toffee Crunch Shortbread lives at the center of the Venn diagram of ‘extremely delicious’ and ‘high yield’ and ‘low hands-on time.’ At Christmastime, I make batch after batch of this shortbread, giving it away as gifts and never getting tired of nibbling on a piece while packing it up.”
You’re Invited!
End-of-Year Giving. As you think through your charitable giving this December, would you consider a donation to the work of Women Scholars and Professionals? Our work is solely funded through the support of our readers and listeners. Learn more about how to give at our Giving Portal. Thank you!
Weekly Prayer. Prayer gatherings are on break for the rest of this year. We anticipate starting up again on January 12 — keep an eye out for an announcement with specifics!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
Believers in Business Conference 2024. MBA ministry is excited to announce the 19th annual Believers in Business Conference February 23-24, 2024. Their vision is to inspire and equip attendees to become believers who are radically inspiring to others in all areas of their lives. Registration opens in late October. In the meantime, follow on Instagram and spread the word to those you think would be interested in participating.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Thinking about 2024 goals? Take some time to work through this list of reflection questions for the past year before diving into New Year’s resolutions.
A striking image to illustrate “the prophetic message that if Jesus was born today, he would be born ‘under the rubble.’”
Which is better for the environment — a real tree or a fake tree?
This old-school appetizer is an annual and beloved holiday tradition for some of us. Just don’t burn your tongue!